It is with great joy that I, as the Apostolic Nuncio and representative of the Holy Father, bring to you the heartfelt greetings and apostolic blessings of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

            The Holy Father assures you of his prayers and encourages you to remain steadfast in your faith, devoted in your formation, and committed to the mission of the Church. May your journey in the seminary bear fruit in service to God and His people.

            United in prayer and communion with the Universal Church, I entrust you to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary and invoke upon you the abundant blessings of Almighty God.

            It is with great joy and gratitude to God that we gather today for the inauguration of the academic year here at St. Charles Lwanga Major Seminary, a sacred institution dedicated to forming shepherds after the heart of Christ.         This moment is not only a beginning but also a profound renewal of our shared mission as servants of the Gospel.

            This year carries even greater significance as we embark on a Jubilee Year—a time of grace, reflection, and recommitment to God’s mission for the Church. It is also a moment to embrace the spirit of synodality, which calls us to walk together as the people of God in communion, participation, and mission.

A Jubilee of Grace and Renewal

            In the first reading, the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice: “Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. (Hbr. 9, 24)” This is the essence of our faith: Christ has opened the way to salvation for all humanity, making a covenant of grace and mercy with us.

            The Jubilee Year invites us to experience this grace anew. It is a time for us to reflect on our mission as a seminary—to form priests who will be bridges of God’s love and instruments of His mercy. As seminarians, you are called to embrace this time as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, deepening your relationship with Christ and preparing your hearts to serve His people.

            Pope Francis reminds us: “A Jubilee is a year of the Lord’s favor. It offers the possibility of a profound conversion of heart, and this conversion is rooted in the richness of mercy.” (Misericordiae Vultus). Let us not waste this time of grace, but rather, let us renew our commitment to the Lord with hearts filled with gratitude and hope.

The Challenge of Synodality: Walking Together in Communion

            The Gospel today confronts us with the reality of opposition to Christ’s mission. The scribes accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, failing to see the Spirit of God at work in Him. This reminds us that as we seek to live out the mission of the Church, we too will face challenges and misunderstandings. But Christ calls us to a deeper unity and trust in the Holy Spirit. This is the heart of synodality—a call to walk together, to listen to one another, and to discern the voice of the Spirit guiding us.

            Pope Francis has said: “The journey of synodality is the journey that God expects of the Church in the third millennium.” (Commemorative Ceremony for the 50th Anniversary of the Institution of the Synod of Bishops, October 17, 2015). As seminarians, you are being prepared to be leaders who will build communities rooted in this vision. To do so, you must learn to listen deeply, to walk humbly with others, and to serve selflessly. Synodality is not just a method or strategy; it is a way of being Church. It requires us to overcome divisions, to embrace dialogue, and to seek unity in diversity. As future priests, you are called to be instruments of this unity, building bridges where there are walls and sowing seeds of reconciliation and hope.

Formed by the Cross, Sent for Mission

            In Hebrews, we are reminded that Christ’s sacrifice was once for all—an act of profound love and self-giving. In this, we find the model for priestly life and mission. As you prepare for the priesthood, you are invited to imitate this self-giving love, embracing the cross and dedicating your lives to serving God’s people. The seminary is a sacred space where you are formed not only academically but spiritually and pastorally. This is a time to grow in prayer, to immerse yourselves in Scripture, and to be shaped by the Eucharist. Allow Christ to form your hearts, that you may become true shepherds who lay down their lives for their sheep. Pope Francis urges us: “The priest is called to be a shepherd who walks at the front, in the middle, and at the back of the flock—guiding, accompanying, and encouraging.” (Chrism Mass Homily, Holy Thursday, March 28, 2013). This is the mission you are preparing for, and this Jubilee Year is a time to recommit to it with renewed zeal.

Conclusion: A Path of Hope

            As we begin this academic year, let us entrust ourselves to the intercession of St. Charles Lwanga, a model of faithfulness and courage. May his example inspire us to stand firm in our faith, to embrace the challenges of our time, and to be witnesses of Christ’s love in the world. May this Jubilee Year be a time of abundant grace for this seminary and for each of you. Let us walk together in the spirit of synodality, united in Christ, and committed to the mission of the Church.

            As we celebrate the Eucharist today, let us offer our lives anew to the Lord, asking Him to guide us, strengthen us, and fill us with His Spirit.

Amen.

+Archbp. Henryk Jagodziński

Apostolic Nuncio to Namibia

27 January, 2025